Smart Home Technology is great and making things so convenient for homeowners. With the changes of smart technology like the Ring Doorbells, Keyless Door Entry, Nest Thermostats etc. being installed it raises the question of what stays when you sell your home?
Thermostats, doorbells and anything attached or wired in the home is considered as a remaining item that is built in. Remember that when a Buyer views your home and they see the upscale items, they expect that is what conveys with the home. We have seen some cases of homeowners removing their Nest thermostat and replacing it with a regular thermostat, so when the Buyer goes to do the final walk thru it raises an issue.
Unless a Seller reserves an item in the home and negotiates that at the time of contract, everything with the home built in remains. Some of the newer Vivant equipment that is installed is attached to a lease of that equipment, so this is something that needs to be addressed in the contract. We are seeing Sellers move out and leave the equipment but quit paying so then Vivant comes to pick up the smart technology installed in the home. The Buyer may not have agreed to assume the lease, so this is another situation that needs to be negotiated and discovered at the time of the contract.
Be aware and make sure you have a good agent looking out after your best interests!
